Tractor sales in the United States increased again last month, representing a six percent increase since the beginning of the year. A monthly report by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers shows April tractor sales were up seven percent, compared to April of last year, with more than 67,000 sales reported. For the month, two-wheel drive under 40 horsepower tractors, were …
Secretary Perdue Announces Creation of Undersecretary for Trade
Reorganization of USDA Elevates Rural Development as Department Priority U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a recognition of the ever-increasing importance of international trade to American agriculture. Perdue made the announcement standing by barges filled with agricultural products along the banks …
Georgia Lawmakers Ask Perdue to Ditch GIPSA Rules
A group of Georgia lawmakers is pitching an idea to scrap some GIPSA rules to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, a former Georgia Governor. A group of 10 members of Congress from Georgia has sent a letter to Perdue urging the Secretary to withdraw two proposed rules under the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. The lawmakers say the rules, currently …
USDA Seeks Feedback from Growers
During the next several weeks, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ( USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey. The agency will survey nearly 1,200 producers across Alabama, 1000 producers across Florida and 1,800 producers across Georgia  to determine crop production and supply levels in 2017. According to …
Canada Offers Potential U.S. Ethanol Export Growth
With Canada seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 megatons by 2030, the U.S. ethanol industry is eager to help Canada reach the goal. The U.S. Grains Council says the U.S. ethanol industry last month visited Canada to tout U.S. ethanol. The industry also commented on the proposed Canadian Clean Fuel Standard. Canada has an existing national blending mandate …
Notice of Determination of Changes to the National Poultry Improvement Plan Program Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Program Standards. In a previous notice, the Agency proposed changes to the NPIP Program Standards document to establish new biosecurity principles and to update some testing procedures. The notice was available for public review and comment for 30 days. No comments …
NMPF Urges Dairy Imitators to Comply with Food Labeling Standards
America’s dairy farmers have a clear message for plant-based food companies that have been meeting in California this week to assess the consistency of the labeling of their products: Dairy imitators must start complying with federal regulations that require foods such as milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt to be made from real milk. “At a time when consumers want …
Soil Health Partnership Urges Farmers to Take USDA Survey
Whether you are a longtime advocate of cover crops—or have never even considered using them—the Soil Health Partnership is encouraging all farmers to participate in the USDA’s 2017 Cover Crop Survey. In its fifth year, the survey helps the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program understand why farmers choose to use cover crops, or the reasons that they don’t. …
ADAI Accepting Applications for USDA Organic Cost Share Programs
Growers and handlers of organic agricultural products now can recover part of the cost of their USDA certification. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will be allocated funds from the USDA to reimburse producers and handlers who either obtain or renew their organic certification in the fiscal year that ends September 30, 2017. The reimbursement covers 75% of …
Organic Farmers Push for Welfare Standards Implementation
Organic dairy and livestock farmers are pushing for Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue to let animal welfare standards formed at the end of the Obama Administration to go into effect. Politico’s Morning Agriculture Report says the farmers argue that the long sought-after rules will give consumers what they want. The measure has long been supported by the USDA’s Organic Advisory Board …